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July 8, 2013

One Month Later

This is me, with Jude, at 2am, not sleeping. Weee!

Jude was born four Monday’s ago, but honestly it has felt like 28 Mondays have passed since he popped out. Every day I wake up to the sound of grunting and I’m like “Holy shit, I’m a mom. That grunting baby noise is MY baby. Time to kick it into gear!” I wonder when it will start to feel like I’m catching some momentum, some hint of a rhythm, when the morning feels like a Tuesday, or even a (gasp) Wednesday.

For now, I honestly have no freaking clue what I’m doing. Most of the time biology takes over and things just seem to happen, and Jesse and I just react. Every once in a while we try to solve him like a puzzle and then realize that the puzzle is made of only sky, or more accurately, solid white pieces of the matrix.

People try to prepare you for having a kid, but even they will tell you, there is no way to really explain what it’s like. It’s like trying to truly comprehend how far away the sun is from Earth, or describe God. Words fail. But one thing everyone says is that it is incredible, better than you can possibly imagine…and it’s fucking hard. Check. Check.

Jude is a pretty awesome baby. He is very advanced. For example, even though his body weight is a mere 5% that of his dad, his farts are already of equal volume. It’s quite remarkable. He’s a night owl like his mom, AND a morning person like his dad. Who DOES that?! It’s super human really.

The hardest part for me is the sleep. I have never been a good napper and Jude gets up every 1-2.5 hours. But 4-6 hours a day of interrupted sleep is not sustainable. It is, on the other hand, perfect preparation for a method actor who wants to star in “The Exorcist,” which I unfortunately don’t have time for at the moment. Eventually, one gets exhausted enough to sleep anywhere, anytime, and I just reached that point yesterday. It’s all gravy from here.

The Body Transformation

So how about training? What’s going on for Lauren-the-athlete? Well, take a seat. Actually, get up and dispose of any weapons or sharp objects and then sit back down because based on the stink eye I’ve received from a few women around town, you may want to kill me after you read this. I’ve bounced back pretty quick. I’m one of those women. I didn’t mean to I swear. Many of you have already been giving me shit on the twitters, (the mock hate tweets are hilarious) so thanks for that. I still have a lot of work to do to become a world class athlete again, but I’m pretty amazed with how things have gone so far.

40 weeks pregnant…a few days before Jude arrived. 162 pounds.

1 week post delivery: 145 pounds

2 weeks post delivery: 142 pounds

Above: Me at 3 weeks post delivery, 139 pounds, starting my rehab program on the UltraSlide. The pelvis is the highest risk area after childbirth.

4 weeks post delivery: 137 pounds.

The body is an amazing thing

When you sit down, it’s more obvious you have some extra skin hanging around, and it looks especially hilarious when you do a front plank. Imagine a pregnant cat.

I didn’t mean to bounce back so fast, I swear. I had the best of intentions of turning into a tangled mess of atrophied muscles coated in crisco applying for next season of the biggest loser to inspire millions with my comeback, but it just didn’t pan out. It’s not that I don’t have any work to do, but the first 90% happened pretty quick. These are the reasons I think things have gone pretty smoothly so far:

I didn’t have food cravings other than OJ. If I wanted ice cream as much as OJ, this would be a different story (again see #1).

Most of my weight gain ended up being water weight, so that comes off really fast.

I’m about 7 pounds over my normal training weight, and 10-12 pounds over racing weight. But here’s the deal, weight isn’t everything. If skinny were the most important thing to running fast, runway models would be our Olympians. When it comes to real athleticism and performance…I have a LONG way to go, so it’s time to do the work!

Getting Started

I’m beginning what I’m calling #flyerbootcamp, which is a training regimen to build my body from the ground up, and I want to invite you to join me. Through twitter, this ALF blog, and my column “The Fast Life” on Runner’s World, I’ll post videos and photos to share what I’m up to. I’ll still post about other stuff too of course, but I’ll label appropriate things with the hashtag above. Join the Fleshman Flyers to be sure to stay up to date.

Some initial pics to show phase one:

Balancing on one strong foot with good upper body posture to help recalibrate my body now that there isn’t a massive lump on the front of me. More advanced or non new moms can just do this with their eyes closed to develop proprioception.

Using CorrectToes to help keep my big toes aligned properly so they don’t dive medially on push off. This should help me get more power and be less injury prone. You don’t have to run with them, but walking is good, doing gym work, etc.

Keeping my lower leg muscles loose and the fibers building in the right direction as I get back into training and pounding. Dr. Lesko hooked me up with this little roller set. Find a knot and stay there while rotating your foot/ankle in circles. Oy.

My PT in Bend wrote this book. He’s kind of a big deal so I’m going to read it to get started on the right foot (and left foot, evenly).

Doing a variety of TRX exercises that challenge my core and help me build functional strength. Photo from Rebound PT. This one builds my butt and core simultaneously. You put your feet in the hooks and then lift your butt so you are in a plank. Then you pull your legs open and closed without losing the plank. Butt burner big time.

I’m doing a lot of work that makes me want to cheat by arching my lower back, like this arm extending exercise, but I use strength and focus to keep my pelvis level and ribs tucked down. These are really hard for me, always have been, even before the baby, but better posture will make me more powerful, more efficient, and reduce cramping and asthma.

Watching pro track on Universal Sports so I can get pumped up by amazing performances, learn race tactics from the best in the world, and be influenced by dreamers and chance takers. Make sure to follow the Diamond League circuit this summer!

Recoverin’ recoverin’ recoverin’ with gradient compression. Not that its URGENT for a 20 minute run, but it’s not too early to start good habits.

Being grateful for every moment I can exercise. Gratitude is a powerful tool for good health and happiness.

Hanging out with my dudes and getting Usain Bolt inspiration from Jude.

If you have any tips to add for a healthy post-partum recovery, please add them in the comments! Much appreciated. Special thanks to the birds at Oiselle (including all three grandmas) for seeing me through this journey, and going out of your way to help me out and teach me your mom tricks. And if you are up for #flyerbootcamp, also let me know below! Peace out. -Fleshman.

51 comments on “One Month Later”

After two kids (one of which I skied, ran, cycled rock climbed through her pregnancy and the other? BED REST. UGH.), I have learned that the most important muscles to strengthen after pregnancy are those teeny, tiny stabilizer muscles. Without those, we got nothin’. True story. Everything else builds from there. And don’t listen to nay-sayers. Here’s me with our 4-year-old this summer. I also have a 10-month-old. If you want to be strong again, YOU WILL. (http://tinyurl.com/mqfjp5w)

Congrats on the new addition! Now, every time you beat some other girl with no kids, you’ll say a silent HELL YEAH! and feel really damn good about yourself.

You’re right, I do kinda want to slap you. My baby is a week older and I have 20lbs to lose before I’m even close to running weight and I can only manage 4km at a time right now. You’re inspiring me to get my abs back tho!
Wish I had wanted OJ and not massive amounts of froyo!

FLESHMOM!!! You are killing it! You just went from gestating a watermelon to rocking a TRX machine in less time than it takes most of us to drop off and pick up dry cleaning! DAMN! And I for one am totally in for #flyerbootcamp for some booty kickin’ goodness. Thank you for being such an amazing sister hero! ONWARD!!!

Love this post! I am totally in for boot camp…I bought the book as a Christmas gift for myself but haven’t referred to it much. And for all the folks out there who are saying “well of COURSE LF lost the weight so fast; she is a Super Hero(ine)! But no mere mortal can do that.” I just want to say that a) they are correct, you are a Super Hero, and b) I lost my pregnancy weight at about the same pace as you, by making healthy choices while pregnant (my only craving was Chipotle rice), remaining active and then taking good care of myself post-partum. That said, I don’t think my abs looked nearly as good as yours do 1 month later. Bottom line is that, with a little long term perspective while pregnant and reasonable self-care, it is possible. Keep up the amazing work…your TRX work alone has me in awe!

Hurray!! You are such an inspiration, LaurenL: both your honesty about the realities of mamahood…plus getting it done and getting back in shape with a whole new rebuilding process. You’re looking fantastic and so’s your lil’ family! Hasn’t there always been a theory about women getting FASTER after becoming moms? I’m lady-in-training (sans baby) 20 years older than you are, and I’m on board for #flyerbootcamp!

Lauren, following your pregnancy and transition to a free Bird has been inspirational to say the least! You are a great role model for all women, not just athletes! Thanks for following your dreams and living in a limitless world you’ve created with your ‘team’!!! I’m rooting for you and pretty much can not wait until you compete again so I can scream at the flo-track screen! hahaha. BEST!

Wow amazing ….keep up the good work and you will be back to your elite form. Motherhood is such an awesome experience….totally love it and so happy that we have good genetics that the weight just falls off. Wishing you all the best can’t wait to see you in the track.

Sign me up! I’ve got my first marathon in January and I’m spending the next 7 weeks pre-training for marathon training (i.e., building strength, addressing weaknesses so I don’t get sidelined with YET ANOTHER injury). Bootcamp sound like much more fun than going it on my own. 🙂

Awesome photos, cant believe how quickly you bounced back. I love the exercises you showed. I am in for #flyerbootcamp. I already own the book, bought it last year and totally love it!! So happy for your family.

You have no idea how perfect this post is for me right now. I’m 17 weeks and am having a really hard time adjusting to this new pregnant body. I am blown away by how quickly I’ve slowed down and how huge I feel already, and I’m not even halfway!! It’s so difficult to imagine ever feeling good again, and I am absolutely terrified that I’ll never get back to racing shape, but your post allows me believe that it’s possible. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing these exercises, because you’d better believe we pregnant gals are going to follow your footsteps!

Lauren, you look amazing! Congratulations on the little guy! My suggestion is to work with your PT on a program to strengthen your SI joints. I ran throughout my pregnancy, and returned to running two weeks later. Shortly thereafter, I returned to really training at a (semi) competitive level. When my daughter was around 6 months, my SI joint acted up, and I was literally crippled / nearly bedridden for 6 weeks. I later learned that two other competitive running moms in my area (one legit elite) had experienced the same thing. I don’t know for a fact that running + baby was the trigger, but it seems likely. Just want you to avoid the same issue!!! Good luck in your recovery.

Congrats! I’m impressed! I had my little boy at the end of April but due to bed rest and restricted activity for most of my pregnancy I’m just starting to run again. Here’s my question for you:what bra are you using to keep the nursing chest in check? I was never one that had to worry about support but now it’s a huge issue and would love your advice!

First of all you look awesome, no hate here, my body bounced back fairly quick from my second pregnancy and so much of the postpartum weightloss and recovery is out of your hands (well other than the working your ass off part).

I ran through both my pregnancies and this time around (my daughter is 10 mos), I’ve been way smarter. I have been strength training twice a week, really focusing on rear chain and core. I feel strong and my speed is coming back much faster too.

Lauren, as an avid fan of Oiselle, I’ve been following your blog. Just want to say that you are inspiration! I’m not at the point in my life where I’m family planning yet, but your story quells the fears I’ve had of losing my fitness when the time does come. It is possible to bounce back quickly -if you’re a world-class athlete, haha – but, hopefully we mere mortals can aspire too. Best of luck with your training! I’ll look forward to seeing your comeback into the pro circuit!

Way to go Lauren! You’ve probably received lots of unsolicited parenting advice, so here’s some more. I’ve been able to get my frequent-waking newborns (2 of the 4) do a 4-5 hour stretch in the middle of the night by using the following technique: feed them, wrap them like a burrito, and let them sleep in the crook of your arm. I use a pillow under my arm for support. Normally I am not a co-sleeping advocate for a number of reasons, but getting that chunk of sleep in the middle of the night makes a huge energy difference. I let them sleep in the crib the rest of the time. Feel free to try or completely disregard. 🙂

You. are. badass! Seriously. I am so inspired by your hard work and your dedication to the sport. And I’ve been a gigantic fan for months now and am so happy that you are doing well after Jude’s birth! Oh and might I add he is quite the stud in those Oiselle wee bird onesies. Just saying. I’m totally in for your #FlyerBootcamp. Any day.

I’m one of those disgusting women that other momma’s hate as well. I don’t have abs of steel 4 weeks postpartum. But I lose my weight fast fast fast!

You’re doing awesome, in all aspects of life! Keep rockin it like you have been.

Although I’m no where near pro levels, I will say, I feel like running is never the same post baby, my dang belly has loose skin that jiggles when I run, even though I’m thinner than my high school xc days! Although I did gestate a 10 lb baby the first time and an 8 lb baby the second!

Lauren,
I came back pretty fast with my first child, and made the Olympic Team 14 months later. You have a much better attitude and sense of humor than I did, so I cannot wait to see what you will do in the months and years to come!
Best of luck, and enjoy basically having the best of all worlds right now – what a blessing :).
Vicki Huber-Rudawsky

I have three kiddos–8, 6, and 4 now. I didn’t START really running until after the third. This is the summer I am getting serious. I have to find out more about this flyer boot camp, but I hate twitter. One thing I will say is that, for me, weight lifting SAVED me during all three pregnancies.

Congrats, Mama! It’s been a while since I’ve dropped through, mostly due to Google Reader pushing up daisies. Thanks for the AMA at RWOL. 🙂 And congrats on your bounceback! I am a firm believer that the quality of calories you eat during pregnancy influences how fast things come off and come back together. You look great, continue to take deep joy in your little Bundle o’ Love and every little thing he does. Motherhood is great! ~BexKix

I am coming back from having a baby also. How soon did you start running after Jude was born? Are you already back to your normal mileage and speed? I have been looking for advice on coming back after pregnancy, but there isn’t much research out there! Thanks!

Lauren! You are hilarious. You remind me of my coach back in DC, who was wicked fast, yet super light-hearted and fun. I’m at 28 weeks and already at 162 lbs. I ran the Boston Marathon last year, and I signed up again this year. It will be about 2 months post baby. I felt the urge to sign up because we will be traveling over seas due to a military move next year and I would be miss the 2015 Boston. Do you think it’s possible to run a marathon 2 months post baby IF I’m just wanting to finish and not worry about running super fast? I’ve been able to run 3-4 days most weeks so far, and do the elliptical on the other days, still lifting some. Thank you so much for this inspiration! It’s extremely helpful and gives me hope!

The advance baby part really made me laugh! Love it! Haha. Being a mom is not really easy, neither getting back in shape or losing that mommy tummy. It takes a lot of patience, hardwork and everything incredible that you never knew. I did resistance workouts like running and stroller jogging and I was happy with that kind of recovery. 🙂

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